Royal Ascot Round-Up
Reflecting on another year in the saddle at the Royal meeting, I enjoyed plenty of promising rides, highlighted by two winners. The first was aboard Porta Fortuna, who built on her fantastic performance in the Guineas to claim victory in the Coronation Stakes (Group 1) for trainer Donnacha O’Brien. It was the perfect race for her, with Opera Singer setting the ideal tone. She was electric when she picked up speed, and I was thrilled to be aboard her that day. This victory was a great achievement for trainer Donnacha and his team, as well as her owners Medallion/S Weston/B Fowler/Reeves T'Bs, who made the trip from America worthwhile by heading home with a winner following her success last year as a two-year-old. She is an impressive filly.
On the final day of Royal Ascot, Unequal Love achieved a fantastic win in the Wokingham Stakes, which looked to be a tough challenge. However, she found her rhythm within the first ten strides and displayed an electric turn of foot to secure the race half a furlong out. It was a massive pleasure to ride her for owners Cheveley Park Stud, with close family connections were there to celebrate her victory. It felt like a real family occasion, and it was great to secure a win for trainer William Haggas and the team at Somerville Lodge.
Following a more recent success, Dubai Honour achieved a well-deserved victory in France last weekend, claiming his long-awaited European Group 1 title. This follows a successful period in Australia in recent years. He was extremely dominant over a mile and a half, which suited him very well. After a strong performance at Chantilly on heavy ground, the good ground this time played to his advantage, leaving no doubt throughout the race. Issy Paul, his regular rider, has done a fantastic job with him, travelling around the world with him over the past couple of years and knowing him inside out. This victory was well deserved for Dubai Honour and the entire team at Somerville Lodge.
It's been fantastic to secure plenty of winners in the first quarter of this busy season. I've had the pleasure of riding numerous stakes winners for various connections. Everything is going smoothly, and I hope this success continues throughout the rest of the season.